What makes a boat suitable for coastal use ?

Logo, as ricky_s says, pretty much all commercial fishing boats have a single engine, generally with much lower specific power output than leisure craft. They are out regularly and in all conditions, and herin lies the rub. Unlike petrol, diesel doesn't not lose its calorific value like petrol, but it is subject to the diesel bug, when water enters the diesel. Fishermen don't really have this problem as they are always turning the fuel over, like car drivers. So, if you have a well maintained engine, and you look after the fuel, the Diesel engine will serve you well. If you are happy pottering along, on a nice day, this can be very pleasant at sea. With a planing boat, you always have the option of a quick run to port if the weather or conditions change. We use both modes on Rafiki, depending on mood, need and conditions. Always use both engines though.........:)
 
Its all about your attitude to risk. My boat is single engined , wouldnt want two, couldnt afford the maintenance, and a single engine is fine for me and the boating I do. it most likely isnt fine for a very large number of people who would rather have two engines for belt and braces or the conditions they go out to sea in. But just because a boat has 2 engines doesnt make it seaworthy. Lots of other factors contribute, and its all about fitness for purpose.

IE One mans long passage is another mans quick hop across the bay.

BUt to answer the original question, for coastal use, which I would define as always within a few miles of land, not out of sight of it for very long at all, I'd say a single engined boat should be fine. Depends on the location of use as well I'd imagine, the solent being presumably a different proposition to the north of scotland , I dont know because I've never boated in the UK. BUt where and when I boat (majorca in the summer months) , anything from a reputable manufacturer that is well maintained and larger than 15foot would probably be considered fine for coastal use , the bigger you go the more comfortable (and expensive) it gets, which in turn gives you a wider 'cruising' ground.
 
Wavey said:
Don't know but it's been around for ages. Back in the 70s when dad was a member of a Thames based yacht club, down river cruising was discouraged (even on club-organised events) if you had a single.

That's one of the reasons why Dad later bought a twin screw Freeman. Mind you, Dad was no one's fool and ex-Navy, so it was probably a ruse to get Mum to agree to buying a bigger boat :D
Click to expand...

Yep,I remember those Thames clubs 'you can't go down the estuary in that' attitude.
Channel Islands 22,hardy 25,Mitchell 31,Nimbus,Elling etc etc...
 
robmchugh said:
you'd be amazed at how much you can improve the performance by simply getter a correctly pitched prop for the engine.
Click to expand...

In 1989 I bought a brand new Princess 33. The brochure said that it would do 12 - 14 knots. Flat out it would only do 10 Knots.
I later understood that the props which were fitted were "River Props" and had different props been fitted it may have been faster.
I successfully returned the boat claiming "Not as described" and "Not of merchantable quality" The fact that I had ordered a new boat and they sold me a "Stock" boat which I had previously seen and refused to buy also came into it.
However today I would still buy a Princess 33 as my priorities have changed as I no longer need to go from Wales to Ireland in 3 hours.
 
I am fairly certain of my facts but the RNLI statistics reveal more shouts to engine issues for boats with two engine than one!

The reason behind this lies with Capt's assumption that because he has two engines he can skimp on maintenance (or mechanical condition ) and runs into big trouble!

If we are talking about just an engine reliability make sure it is used regularly and all service items are covered.

If your boating use lends itself and your issue is fuel tank contamination keep the tanks low or suitable for your trip. That way you have to top up for next trip, so fuel is alway relatively clean! Just like a vehicle, do they suffer from diesel bug NO!

Any water forming in the tank can be removed before adding fuel using any suction device at the lowest corner of the tank.

Another benefit if planing, the boat may well perform better and as for carrying tons of fuel around unnecessarily your consumption should be appreciate less!

Thread based on first hand experience.

Has anyone else seen the RNLI observation above??
 
I haven't been aboard the Birchwood but I bet the interior was clean as a new pin.
I think there were some issues in the early 2000's - but surely anything that's going to fall apart would have done so by now? I think some boats were sold for home fit out and this may be where some of the build quality rumours arise.

.
 
I think the advantage of a twin engine is manoeuvrability - especially in the tight space on a windy day. I would guess fishing boats & barges are probably heavier than a GRP cruiser and less likely to effected by wind and current. Also they are likely to have a number of strong & experienced crew aboard. Usually its just me and SWMBO

I currently have a single engine 28 1/2 ft boat. I bought that size as it was my first boat, and it was the biggest I felt confident to helm, and the smallest that was comfortable to spend a week on. Having gained in experience and confidence, and I am currently negotiating a trade up to something in the 34ft+ range. Although I'm getting pretty good at berthing my 28 1/2 footer - I want twin engine for a 34ft boat. Obviously it is possible to berth with a 34ft single, I just don't fancy in a strong wind and/ or tide myself.

I'd recommend the RYA helmsman course to get a feel for a twin prop set up - the control is amazing, you can practically get the boat going sideways.

Personally I am going for a Sealine S34 - which is about in your price range. When I did the course I did ask the chap who ran it about boats. I'm not sure he would have recommended a Sealine S34, (but his priorities and men were different), but he did recommend this - which might be up your street.

http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/2004/Nimbus-320-Coupe-2738791/United-Kingdom#.VOplZ0Li9UQ

(Nb: that is just a random example - I am not connected to the seller in anyway - although I am looking to base my boat in Torquay)

Good Luck
DW
 
This thread could go on for weeks, why don't you charter a couple of boats and then decide whats best for you, I do a fair amount of coastal runs, I have done them in single and twin engine, if you can cope with a bit less speed there is nothing wrong with single at all , look for a boat that has been well used and well maintained, low engine hours is often not great!!
 
as paul says----I personally prefer the motion of a heavy displacement boat----my very heavy fishing boat was sea kindly------33 feet x 11----the 30 hp engine weighed 3/4 of a ton regards lenten
 
Thanks lenten - so perhaps something like a Broom 34 with similar dimensions but rather more lightly built and a 200 hp engine would be ok ?

Paul, thanks for the suggestion but I'm blessed if I can find anyone who charters a Birchwood 340/ Broon 33/Broom 34 or, frankly, anything in my price range.

MartynG, thanks again. I really like the Nimbus but Mrs L refuses to entertain a galley anywhere but down below.

And thanks to all others who replied - I am spending more on hotels and fuel than boating at the moment trying to keep an eye on what's for sale nationwide.
 
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